Rainier Beach Community Center

I had a terrible experience trying to reserve the pool for an after-hours party. This is a standard procedure which is laid out on their website, so it's not like I was asking for anything special. The website indicates that you need to call ahead to verify availability for the date you're interested in, then you have to visit the community center in person in order to actually reserve it. This seems like a silly requirement in 2025, but whatever. I called and verified my date, then a few days later I made the drive down. I live on the opposite side of the city, so I drive almost an hour through traffic to get there. When I arrived, the staff at the desk was unfriendly and unhelpful. They seemed confused by my request, then quickly handed me a business card and said that I needed to email this person in order to make sure there was enough lifeguard staffing available for the date. Why couldn't they have done this when I called initially? Why couldn't they have at least told me on the phone that this was part of the process before I drove all the way down? Why couldn't the staff who was present check that for me? Why doesn't the website mention anything about this? I have no idea. The staff then made it clear that not only would I have to email this person and wait for a response, but I would also need to drive all the way down yet again to actually make the reservation. They offered no alternatives or solutions and were not understanding to my situation at all. We decided to have our party elsewhere, so this community center will lose out on my $600+ payment and we will have the party at a venue that actually takes the time and effort to care for its community.

Very nice and clean community pool with a lazy river and slide. There is also a hot tub, sauna and large lap pool. The changing rooms are spacious and clean. There are private shower stalls and and several family changing rooms. The staff is friendly and alert.

Have taken my grandson swimming many times. Really fun pool with different areas including a flowing river section.

We brought our grandson here for the playtime. Very friendly atmosphere and lots of kids and toys to play with.

Great staff! Clean courts for indoor volleyball, basketball, or pickleball with high ceilings and plenty of room for spectators/ out of bounds play.